October Forecast

The month begins with Mercury at its exaltation degree in Virgo, conjunct Ketu, during an annular solar eclipse. This is a time of purification, on many levels. This is followed by the nine nights of the goddess, or Navaratri, where worship of goddess Durgā can help us transform our darker impulses into light.

As nature begins to slip into its slumber, we can go within to awaken. As the saying goes, “The only way out is in”, which is apt for a Ketu eclipse, a comet, and an asteroid, all due to come into view in October. We must look within for the significance of these sky events in our own lives, even when dramatic world events are likely to grab our attention.  

Mercury’s strength and the combined eclipse can bring a practical approach to any challenges. A Virgo eclipse changes something in our daily lives. Ketu can remove problems but also remove too much in the process, leaving feeling ungrounded.

Venus in Libra for the first couple of weeks may make it easier to find balance in the process. Jupiter stations retrograde on Oct 9, holding in place before shifting our awareness inward, so we can tap into the next appropriate step. Whatever has been presented thus far, we must look within for guidance. Jupiter’s retrograde in Taurus asks us to question whether sensual comforts are enough. 

Venus enters Scorpio by Oct 13, presenting further challenges to peace, especially as Mars is about to enter Cancer. Venus looks to Taurus and Jupiter placed therein, reflecting our desire for peace and harmony, but perhaps because of their apparent lack.

By Oct 20, Mars enters its sign of debilitation in Cancer while the Sun moves into its debilitation in Libra. This creates a tense and frustrated configuration, with a weakened Mars influencing a weakened Sun. Leaders around the world are likely challenged and we may even see one step down for some reason.

Mars opposes Pluto in Capricorn as it slows down in Cancer, signalling a crucial phase between these two planets over many months. This is likely to manifest as internal conflicts and more obvious power struggles on the world stage. Whatever happens in early October is likely a big theme we return to in 2025.

Finally, if you were to get up before sunrise between Sep 27 and Oct 2, you may be able to view Comet A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) in the east (northern hemisphere) just before sunrise, and again in the west just after sunset between Oct 12 and Oct 30. The comet will be positioned below Regulus (Maghā), the brightest star in the constellation Leo. This is yet another indication of the downfall of a leader. The recent indictment of New York's mayor and Sean "Diddy" Combs' arrest are just two examples of Leonian figures. 

To top off some dramatic skies in October, a newly discovered asteroid is due for a fly-by from Sep 29 to Nov 25, although it may not be visible to the naked eye. 
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Eclipses and comets were referred to as Ketus in ancient India. Ketu, the significator of loss, is the main story in October, it seems, where some losses are almost certainly par for the course, as things are dredged up from the past to be removed.